Disney Cuts Off Boy Scouts

Walt Disney Co. will no longer donate to Boy Scouts of America local troops and packs starting next year in response to the organization not allowing gay adult leaders, according to media reports.

The Burbank entertainment and media company made “Ears to You” grants available to the Scouts as part of a program of Disney employees completing volunteer hours.

Disney’s decision became public after Robert Utsey, a Scouts leader in Apopka, Fla., sent a letter to notifying other Scouts leaders and parents that Disney was suspending the donations, according to Los Angeles Times and Associated Press reports.

“The National BSA Council has reached out to try to resolve the situation, however, according to (Disney), their views do not currently align with the BSA and they are choosing to discontinue this level of support,” the letter read.

The Boy Scouts of America on Jan. 1 lifted a ban on gay minors being involved in troops and packs but maintained the ban on gay adult leaders.